This diplomat had to be treated with kid
gloves; my orders were clear on that. Trouble
was my instructions from Earth didn't cover—
The Ambassador's Pet
By Alexander Blade
[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from
Imagination Stories of Science and Fantasy
October 1957
Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that
the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]
I picked up sealed orders at the Routing Desk of Space Service. They were addressed to Captain Johnny Martin of the spaceship 13-XV-1, which is my name and my ship.
They said:
Proceed to Aldebaran VII at once. You are to pick up an Aldebaranian ambassador and transfer him to Earth for high-level diplomatic talks.
You are to treat him with utmost courtesy. Relations between Earth and Aldebaran VII are in a very delicate state at this time.
The ambassador informs us he plans to bring a pet with him to Earth.